‘I like him’ – What Thierry Henry has said about hot French prospect ahead Manchester United transfer

France's headcoach Thierry Henry (R) sings the national anthem before a friendly international football match between France and Japan ahead of Paris 2024 Olympic games in Toulon, southern France, on July 17, 2024. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / AFP)

Manchester United are closing in on their second major signing of the summer with Lille defender Leny Yoro set to sign a five-year contract.

Lille are set to profit from a deal worth up to £52million and France legend Thierry Henry has gone on record in the past to praise the 18-year-old.

The Reds have beaten off interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid to secure Yoro’s signature, with the teenager set to become our latest signing after striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.

Arsenal legend Henry gave Yoro his debut for France’s U-21s when he was just 17, and believes the prospect has a huge future ahead of him.

Henry covered himself by safely predicting that Yoro will “make mistakes” as he continues to learn his trade – but he is 18 after all! I’ve watched some experienced players make countless mistakes at United.

“We often talk about Leny,” Henry told Le Petit Lillois earlier this year. “He is having an exemplary start to his career. To establish himself in Lille as he is doing… He always has some young reactions, and that is completely normal.

“It comes slowly, you make mistakes and sometimes you get embarrassed. (But) he goes on to play one match after another, he starts quite often and quite often is good. It’s really good for him.

“He is professional, he’s a good guy, well-educated. I like him. He performs well. Afterwards, there are always things to refine, but that’s completely normal. Frankly, it’s really a more than positive progression.”

Yoro has been playing with former United academy star Angel Gomes at Lille.

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